A Comparison of hydrogen and ammonia for future long distance shipping fuels

McKinlay, Charles John, Turnock, Stephen and Hudson, Dominic (2020) A Comparison of hydrogen and ammonia for future long distance shipping fuels. LNG/LPG and Alternative Fuel Ships, Royal Institute of Naval Architects, HQ, 8-9 Northumberland Street, London WC2N 5DA, London, United Kingdom. 29 - 30 Jan 2020. pp. 53-65 .

Record type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)

Abstract

Decarbonisation of the shipping industry is necessary. Two potential low-emission fuels for long distance international shipping are hydrogen (H2) and ammonia (NH3). Using data from an LNG tanker, approximations were made for energy requirements based on delivered power, with the maximum consumption for a single voyage being 9270 MWh. Calculations were made for the required volume, mass and variable cost for several fuel types. Results showed that H2 required volume was 6550 m3 and 11040 m3 for liquid and pressurised gas storage respectively. H2 is frequently dismissed for mobile applications due to low volumetric density, however these volumes are not unrealistic. Ammonia has several desirable characteristics, but also has low gravitational energy density increasing the overall ship mass by 0.3% to 3.7%, negatively affecting performance. Batteries are too large, heavy and expensive for long distance applications. Both hydrogen and ammonia have potential, but require further research before becoming viable.

Text

C.McKinlay A Comparison of Hydrogen and Ammonia for Future Long Distance Shipping Fuels - Accepted Manuscript

Available under License University of Southampton Accepted Manuscript Licence.

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Published date: 29 January 2020

Venue - Dates: LNG/LPG and Alternative Fuel Ships, Royal Institute of Naval Architects, HQ, 8-9 Northumberland Street, London WC2N 5DA, London, United Kingdom, 2020-01-29 - 2020-01-30